Resist the Hate Machine
You’re not just scrolling. You’re being shaped. The Hate Machine thrives on fear and division. Here’s how to notice — and resist.
The Algorithm Is Not Your Friend
Studies show that social media posts evoking anger, fear, or moral outrage are significantly more likely to be shared than those grounded in empathy, understanding, or nuance.[1] [2][3] This isn't accidental — it's built into the algorithm.
The result? We’re more likely to see posts that ask us to fear or hate than to understand or heal. This is how engagement becomes entanglement. It’s not always obvious — but over time, it shapes our worldview, our mood, and even our moral compass.
A Simple Question: What's the Call to Action?
As you scroll, pause now and then to ask: What is this post asking me to do? If the answer is “hate that person” or “fear this group,” it’s worth stepping back. Compassionate media calls us toward healing, listening, protecting, serving — not scapegoating or silencing.
Favour Compassionate Sources
It’s not just about avoiding toxic content. It’s about curating your digital environment the way you’d curate a garden. Follow people and platforms that lift, challenge, and inspire you toward compassionate action. Give less attention to those that thrive on polarization.
Why This Matters
Compassionate Humanism isn’t just about what we believe. It’s about what we nurture in ourselves and each other. If we are what we repeatedly consume, let’s feed our minds and hearts with sources that draw us toward justice, empathy, and shared humanity.
“Compassion is not what we believe. It’s what we choose to become — in how we respond to the world’s need.”
References
- Brady, W. J., Wills, J. A., Jost, J. T., Tucker, J. A., & Van Bavel, J. J. (2019). Emotion shapes the diffusion of moralized content in social networks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
- Vosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018). The spread of true and false news online. Science.
- Rathje, S., Van Bavel, J. J., & van der Linden, S. (2021). Out-group animosity drives engagement on social media. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.